The Effect of Aromatherapy Abdominal Massage on Alleviating primary dysmenorrhea in Students

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecologic disorders affecting more than half of menstruating women that interferes with daily activities. This study investigated the effect of aromatherapy massage on a group of Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences students who are suffering of primary dysmenorrheal. This study is a clinical trial that conducted on 100 students with primary dysmenorrhea who were educating in Iranshahr. Group 1 received aromatherapy abdominal massage once daily for seven days prior to menstruation using the essential oils (cinnamon and lavender in a base of almond oil). Group 2 received the same intervention but with placebo oil (almond oil).Severity of pain was compared in pre intervention cycle and two cycles post intervention in both 2 groups. Results were analyzed by SPSS through chi square and t-test in 0.5 level of significancy. The mean of dysmenorrhea severity was not significant in pre intervention cycle between two groups (P=0.3), but pain reduction in each two cycles after interventions in both groups was reported. This reduction was more in group 1 (cinnamon and lavender) and it was more significant in two cycles (P<0.05). These results suggests that aromatherapy is effective in alleviating menstrual pain. Aromatherapy can be provided as a nonpharmacological pain relief measure and as a part of nursing care given to girls suffering of dysmenorrhea.